Genetic Engineering

Information And Updates For activists

Implications Of The Greenpeace Trial

On Sept 20th 2000 28 Greenpeace (GP) activists were found not guilty of Criminal Damage (CD) to a GM Crop trial in Lyng, Norfolk. The verdict came after a retrial, the first resulted in a hung jury. This shows a case against GE can be made in court, although, of course, there can be no guaranteed outcome in a case like this.

Some points to consider;

* Court cases are a major undertaking and can drag out over a considerable amount of time.

* GP had a jury trial. Although there are not enough cases to draw clear conclusions, so far those facing magistrates have been less lucky. You are only entitled to a jury in certain cases (usually those carrying a risk of imprisonment) GP got one as they were initially charged with theft and a high value of CD. Magistrates hear lesser charges of CD and Aggravated Trespass.

* A key aspect of GP defence centred round destroying the crop before flowering. The defences argued not for GE but that GP had been staging publicity stunt not a genuinely felt decontamination.

* GP have produced a booklet ‘GM on trial’ available for £5 from GP UK Address below.

* GP are a big and (relatively) well-resourced organisation.

Because of the fluid and undefined nature of the direct action movement people facing trial sometimes don’t receive the support they deserve, either because people don’t know about the case or what support is wanted. If you find yourself up in court over GE there almost certainly are people who would wish to offer support and advice - but be prepared to ask! Good starting points are GEN, The GenetiX Update and the EF! Action Update. This article was shortened to make room for the FMD piece.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

As no doubt everyone will be aware the UK is currently experiencing an outbreak of FMD. This has led to the effective closer of much of the countryside (and parks and footpaths in urban areas) and a massive cull of farm animals.

* FMD is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. Some wild and zoo animals are also susceptible. It is spread by airborne dispersal; movement of animals, vehicles and people and the feeding of infected meat, milk or other by-products. The virus is destroyed by heat or disinfectant.

* FMD is rarely fatal in adult animals, there is no cure but vaccination is possible. Most animals ‘recover’ naturally in 2-3 weeks. The main problems are the side effects, loss of condition and yields, miscarriage, sterility, heart conditions and increased susceptibility to secondary infection. These economic losses are the reason for the current containment and eradication program.

* It is not considered to affect Humans and is not related to the human viral condition Hand, Foot and Mouth.

* Currently special Orders give Local Authorities powers to prevent the movement of people onto farmland and footpaths to prevent the spread of FMD. Breaking these orders is an offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981 and carries a fine of up to £5000.

* During the 1967 outbreak all agricultural testing was suspended. There seems unlikely at present, however Greenpeace have been applying pressure.

* The situation regarding access and movement in the countryside is currently under review and news about FMD is breaking daily. It’s strongly advised people interested in FMD keep a selective eye on the media for news.

Most of the information for this article came from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) web-site (recommended for further information) www.maff.gov.uk\ANIMALH\DISEASES\FMD

Farm Scale Trial Crops

Flowering times are intended for guidance only, exact times will vary with weather, variety and location

Fodder & sugar beet are being considered as one crop for the current round of Farm Scale Trials.
Planting March-April flowering shouldn’t occur until 2nd Year, though GM varieties have shown a tendancy to bolt

Maize planted late April-May Flowering Lt June/July (about 2 months after planting)
Harvest 6 weeks after flowering

Oil seed rape (winter and Spring)
Winter sown Oct/Nov flowering end March/April
Harvest July/Sept Spring sown March/April flowering June

Contacts And Resources

Campaign Against Human Genetics
PO box 6313
London N16 0DY
Cahge@globalnet.co.uk

Colonizing the Seed, Genetic Engineering and Techno-Industrial Agriculture.
Excellent pamphlet - not quite sure where you get these from now, but we have quite a few at the AU - send us about £1.50 and we’ll post you one.

Corporate Watch
16b Cherwell St
Oxford OX4 1BG
01865 791391
mail@corporatewatch.org
www.corporatewatch.org
produce briefings on the companies behind GE

Genetic Engineering, Food and our Environment, A brief guide (book),
Greenbooks 1999 ISBN 1870098-78-1

Genetic Engineering Network (GEN)
PO Box 9656
London N4 4JY
020 7690 0626
genetic@gn.apc.org
www.geneticsaction.org.uk

GenetiX Snowball
Box 13, 43 Gardner St
Brighton BN1 1UN
rowantilly@gn.apc.org
Accountable Crop removal, but also useful ‘how to’ info on Crop sabotage

GenetiX Update
Totnes GenetiX Group (ToGG)
PO Box 77,
Totnes Devon,
TQ9 5ZJ
01803 840098
info@togg.org
Publish the regular GenetiX Update.

Genewatch
The Mill House
Manchester Rd.
Tidewell, Buxton Derbyshire, SK17
01298 871898
gene.watch@dial.pipex.com
www.genewatch.org
various detailed briefings on GE issues – starting to work on Human Genetics this year.

Greenpeace UK
Canonbury Villas
London N1 2PN
020 7865 8100
info@greenpeace.org
Publish ‘GM on trial’

Primal Seeds
Suite 305
255 Wilmslow Rd
Manchester M14
mail@primalseeds.org
www.primalseeds.org
Actively engaging in protecting biodiversity and creating local food security. Excellent anti-biotech resource.